Published: Wednesday, 31st March, 2010 5:00pm

Fairyhouse set for Festival

All roads will lead to Fairyhouse this weekend for the traditional Irish Grand National three-day racing festival which will start on Sunday with the feature race on Monday.

The usual attractions will include some super saver deals, lunch in the BobbyJo Bistro, children's entertainment, a 'most stylish lady' competition and on the course some top class horseracing.

Picking winners will be the challenge for patrons and local trainer Tony Martin could provide some potent ammunition.

Martin will decide later this week about Saddlers Storm's participation in the big race after three unbeaten starts over fences. The horse completed his hat-trick with an impressive display at Navan on his last outing, but the trainer is also considering the Scottish National and a trip to the Punchestown Festival.

"The ground doesn't matter a whole lot to him as he's won in heavy and it wasn't too bad the last day, we will do a bit of work on Thursday or Friday and if he comes through that we'll probably go to Fairyhouse," suggested Martin who has Psycho in the Powers Gold Cup on Sunday.

Psycho won over fences at Clonmel a couple of weeks ago and has also run in point-to-points.

Royal County Star may also take his chances in the big race along with Oscar Time which is trained by Summerhill native Martin Lynch.

Easter Sunday is a family day with an Easter egg giveaway, a fun fair and children's entertainment. Easter Monday features the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National and the Carton House-sponsored 'most stylish lady' competition in association with Powers Whiskey. The judges will include TV3's Colette Fitzpatrick, Bairbre Power editor of the Weekend magazine at the Irish Independent and Jessie Collins from Irish Tatler with a prize value at €10,000 and €1,000 spending money from Powers Whiskey.

Tuesday features the Ladbrokes.com Handicap Hurdle and the Tattersalls Ireland Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Steeplechase, a day for the racing enthusiast.

Admission prices: Easter Sunday- adults: €20, senior citizens / students: €10; Easter Monday: €25/ €15; Easter Tuesday: €20/€10; discounts available until Sunday for pre-booked tickets.

Traffic restrictions will apply on Sunday and Monday from 10.0 - 7.0 and will be clearly signposted. Patrons should arrive early and follow the instructions from An Garda Siochana.